Scott Edward Rutledge

Scott Edward Rutledge serves as Dean of Ball State University's College of Health and Professor of Social Work since July 2021. The College of Health, established in 2016, offers 30+ health-related degrees to 3,100 students through 220 faculty/staff and operates research centers including the Interprofessional Community Clinic. The college completed its $62.5 million Health Professions Building in 2019.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Social Welfare, University of Washington, 2002
• M.S.W. in Integrated Practice Concentration, University of Iowa, 1997
• B.A. in Communication (Minors: French, Music), Marycrest College, 1985

Rutledge's research examines HIV prevention interventions, AIDS stigma across U.S. and Caribbean contexts, and health disparities among racial/sexual minorities. His work centers on African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), analyzing barriers to HIV care, syndemic conditions, and victimization impacts through community-engaged methodologies. He has secured over $5 million in research funding as PI or co-PI.

His 2014-2019 publications reveal consistent focus on marginalized communities, particularly examining structural barriers to HIV care, intersectional stigma, and syndemic health challenges among MSM populations. Methodologically, he employs qualitative, survey, and prospective designs with strong community-based participatory frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Faculty Service Award (Temple University)
• OBSSR/NIH Summer Institute Fellowship
• NIMH Predoctoral Trainee in Prevention Science
• Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Scholar
• Social Sciences Dissertation Fellowship

Rutledge has secured $5+ million in research funding as principal/co-investigator, supporting community-based HIV prevention initiatives. The College of Health operates multiple research laboratories and the Interprofessional Community Clinic, which serves Muncie residents while providing real-world training environments for students across health disciplines.